Humla, July 22: Authorities in Humla have stepped up border security to prevent the illegal smuggling of Chinese liquor into Nepal through the Hilsa border point adjoining Taklakot, China.
The directive was issued by newly appointed Chief District Officer (CDO) Bholanath Guragain during his first inspection of the Hilsa border area.
During the visit, CDO Guragain instructed security personnel and government officials stationed at the border to strengthen surveillance and ensure that illicit Chinese alcoholic beverages do not enter the country.
He directed the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force (APF), Immigration Office, and Customs Office to work in close coordination to crack down on the illegal cross-border trade.
Guragain said authorities had received complaints alleging that, in the past, Chinese liquor had been smuggled into Nepal with the collusion of some security personnel and government employees. He warned that anyone found involved in such activities would face strict legal action.
The Chief District Officer also appealed to local residents and media representatives in Hilsa to support the authorities by reporting any suspected smuggling activities.
According to local residents, although Chinese authorities have tightened restrictions on the export of many goods to Nepal in recent years, enforcement against the movement of alcoholic beverages had previously been relatively lax. However, officials said Chinese border authorities have also strengthened measures this year to curb the illegal flow of liquor across the frontier.
Guragain said enhanced surveillance would also be maintained at other Nepal–China border points, including Lapcha in Limi, Chuwakhola in Simkot Rural Municipality, and the Tanke border point in Chankheli Rural Municipality, to prevent similar illegal activities.
During the inspection, the team also assessed the condition of border pillars in the Hilsa area and reviewed the overall security situation. Guragain instructed security agencies to remain vigilant against any activities that could undermine Nepal–China relations and to ensure the security of the international border.
The inspection team included Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka, Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent Nanda Bahadur Saud, and National Investigation Department Chief Meghraj Kandel. The team travelled from Simkot to Hilsa on Sunday to conduct the inspection.
According to local residents, Chinese liquor worth more than Rs. 400 million had been smuggled into Nepal annually through the Hilsa border in previous years. #nepal
